Autel Energy is ramping up plans for the electrification of Cape Town’s bus fleet with the deployment of its advanced MaxiCharger DC Fast (150–240 kW) technology
A leader in smart and sustainable electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, the company is powering South Africa’s largest public EV bus charging hub — also among the most significant in Africa — enabling the rollout of 120 electric buses by December 2025.
The project, delivered in partnership with STS Tech Group, is centred at Cape Town’s Arrowgate depot, which operates on a solar–grid hybrid system.
This integration highlights Autel Energy’s capability to deliver charging infrastructure that is both renewable-ready and future-proof, ensuring maximum uptime, high efficiency, and long-term sustainability, the company reported in a statement.
“This project in Cape Town is a milestone not only for Africa but for the global transition to clean mobility,” said Kemin Zuo, regional director of Autel IMEA DMCC.
Currently, the Arrowgate depot operates with 30 MaxiCharger DC Fast units, with capacity expanding to 50 units by year-end.
These chargers support the city’s 68 BYD B12 electric buses already in operation — each carrying 65 passengers with a range of up to 240 km per charge — and will scale to serve 120 buses by the end of 2025.
This transition will eliminate an estimated 18,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to removing more than 4,000 cars from the city’s roads.
The landmark project also supports Cape Town’s clean mobility ambitions and South Africa’s broader sustainability goals, providing citizens with cleaner air, quieter transport, and reliable daily mobility.
With over 1 million chargers shipped in over 70 countries, Autel Energy’s DC charging solutions span from 50 kW DC fast chargers to 1.44 megawatt-level ultra-fast systems, serving residential, commercial, fleet and heavy-duty transport applications.
“At Autel Energy, our mission is to accelerate EV adoption by delivering charging solutions that are intelligent, scalable, and renewable-ready,” said Zuo.
“By enabling seamless integration with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind across our entire charging portfolio, we demonstrate how cities can build future-proof infrastructure that reduces emissions while ensuring reliable public transport.”
Zuo added: “Africa is a strategic region for e-mobility growth, and we are proud to play a central role in shaping its sustainable transport future.”Read more:
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Autel Energy advances Cape Town bus project
MaxiCharger DC Fast units installed by Autel Energy at Cape Town’s Arrowgate Depot, forming the backbone of South Africa’s largest EV bus charging hub with capacity to expand to 50 chargers and 120 buses by 2025. (Image source: Autel Energy)
